Rarely people will think about who will take care of their pets if they could no longer do so. Yet planning ahead can make the unexpected more bearable for both you and your pet.
Select an environment that you would want your pet to be in Is your dog the outdoorsy type or is he happiest in the comfort of your warm den? Is he a fussy eater or have certain dietary or health care needs? Is there a well-beloved toy or item in the home that he simply can't live without?
Once you've decided what you want for your pet's happiness, start looking for a caregiver.
Ask with your pet's doctor first. Vets usually offer boarding as a service to their clients and it is not their primary focus. While you can take comfort in the fact that trained medical care is available each day, opportunities for your pet to get exercise, play or be pampered may be limited by the staffing and structure of the office. Also take into consideration that although your pet may not be directly exposed to illness or injury, he may be able to hear or smell other dogs in pain, which can cause stress.
While you still may choose the familiar over the unfamiliar, many people prefer to find a boarding kennel where the focus is on meeting their pet's everyday needs. Phone directories might have places you can look into. Www.dogboarding.com is a good place to begin.
Ask the kennel staff what a day is like over there. Follow up with an unannounced business to see if they describe the place truthfully. Also, it may be a good idea to take your pet there to see if the acclimate. When you have settled on the kennel where you feel your pet will be most contented, do a trial run and have him stay for a night or even a whole weekend. This is an especially good idea if you're planning a long trip, as it gives your pet the chance to realize that you will return for him. You may need to try more than one location before you are satisfied with the idea of leaving your pet for any length of time.
Planning ahead to find a facility that makes you comfortable, even though you have no trips scheduled, is necessary to your peace of mind. Then, should an emergency or special occasion arise, the question of leaving your dog is one issue you don't have to worry about.
Select an environment that you would want your pet to be in Is your dog the outdoorsy type or is he happiest in the comfort of your warm den? Is he a fussy eater or have certain dietary or health care needs? Is there a well-beloved toy or item in the home that he simply can't live without?
Once you've decided what you want for your pet's happiness, start looking for a caregiver.
Ask with your pet's doctor first. Vets usually offer boarding as a service to their clients and it is not their primary focus. While you can take comfort in the fact that trained medical care is available each day, opportunities for your pet to get exercise, play or be pampered may be limited by the staffing and structure of the office. Also take into consideration that although your pet may not be directly exposed to illness or injury, he may be able to hear or smell other dogs in pain, which can cause stress.
While you still may choose the familiar over the unfamiliar, many people prefer to find a boarding kennel where the focus is on meeting their pet's everyday needs. Phone directories might have places you can look into. Www.dogboarding.com is a good place to begin.
Ask the kennel staff what a day is like over there. Follow up with an unannounced business to see if they describe the place truthfully. Also, it may be a good idea to take your pet there to see if the acclimate. When you have settled on the kennel where you feel your pet will be most contented, do a trial run and have him stay for a night or even a whole weekend. This is an especially good idea if you're planning a long trip, as it gives your pet the chance to realize that you will return for him. You may need to try more than one location before you are satisfied with the idea of leaving your pet for any length of time.
Planning ahead to find a facility that makes you comfortable, even though you have no trips scheduled, is necessary to your peace of mind. Then, should an emergency or special occasion arise, the question of leaving your dog is one issue you don't have to worry about.
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